Auto Transport Glossary

An auto carrier refers to a specialized truck or trailer designed specifically for transporting vehicles from one location to another. These carriers come in various sizes and configurations, ranging from single-car trailers to multi-level trucks capable of transporting several vehicles at once.

Auto transport refers to the service of transporting vehicles from one location to another, typically over long distances. This service is often used when individuals or businesses need to move vehicles that they own, such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, or even boats, but are unable or unwilling to drive them to the destination themselves.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a fundamental legal document issued by the carrier. It meticulously outlines the specifics of the vehicle being transported, encompassing crucial details such as the pickup and delivery locations, the vehicle's condition at pickup, and any special instructions provided by the customer or shipper.

A broker helps people get their vehicles transported by connecting them with carriers who can move the vehicles. Acting as a middleman, brokers use their industry knowledge and network of carriers to find the right carrier for each customer's specific needs. They make the process of vehicle transport smooth and efficient, providing reliable service for customers and helping carriers keep their trucks full and running efficiently.

A driver is the person who drives the transport truck to move vehicles from one place to another. These drivers are trained experts who know how to handle and secure cars safely on the truck. Their job includes planning routes, following safety rules, loading and unloading cars, and making sure the vehicles are transported safely to their destination. Drivers are the most important part of the auto transport process.

Door to door auto transport is a service provided by carriers where they pick up the vehicle from the customer's specified location, such as their home or dealership, and deliver it directly to the destination address. This service provides an easy transportation experience for customers, eliminating the need for them to drop off or pick up the vehicle from a terminal or specific location.

Expedited auto transport refers to a specialized service provided by car shipping companies aimed at delivering vehicles in a shorter time-frame than standard shipping options. This service prioritizes the rapid transportation of vehicles, often involving dedicated carriers and expedited routing to lower transit time.

An enclosed carrier is a specialized transport truck designed to provide a fully enclosed environment for vehicles during transport. Unlike open carriers, which expose vehicles to the elements, enclosed auto transport carriers shield vehicles from weather, debris, and other external factors throughout the journey. These carriers are particularly favored for transporting high-value or classic cars, where protection from potential damage is mandatory.

A flatbed transporter is a special type of heavy-duty trailer used for transporting tall or oversized items. These trailers are crucial for moving large and heavy equipment, like construction machinery, vehicles, and other oversized loads.

The term fully insured in auto transport means that the transportation company has insurance coverage to protect your vehicle during its journey from one place to another. This insurance provides financial protection in case your vehicle gets damaged or lost during transportation. If something unexpected happens to your car while it's being moved, the insurance will cover the costs of repair or replacement.

In auto transport, a gate-pass is a document that gives permission to enter a restricted area like a shipping terminal or port to drop off or pick up a vehicle. This pass is usually given by the transport company or terminal operator and allows the driver or transporter to go into the designated area to complete their job. A common example of a gate pass is the T.W.I.C. issued by the T.S.A. in the United States.

The term nationwide means something that extends or operates throughout an entire nation or country. When we talk about auto transport, "nationwide" refers to services that cover the entire geographic area of a particular country.For example, a nationwide auto transport company offers services for transporting vehicles to and from various locations within the country, covering multiple states or regions. It implies that the company has a broad reach and can facilitate vehicle transportation needs across the entire nation.

An open carrier is a type of transport truck used to move vehicles from one place to another. It is called an "open carrier" because of its design, which exposes the vehicles to the outside environment during transport. Open carriers are the most commonly used method for car shipping due to their widespread availability and cost-effectiveness.

When transporting a vehicle, personal items refer to any belongings that are not part of the car itself. These can include clothing, electronics, or other personal belongings you might want to send along with your vehicle.

A quote in auto transport is an estimate provided by a transportation company that details the cost of shipping a vehicle from one place to another. This estimate helps customers understand how much they might need to pay for the service.

A route refers to the meticulously planned path that a vehicle carrier follows to move vehicles from their point of origin to their final destination. This route planning is not a simple task but a complex process that takes into account various factors to ensure the efficient, timely, and safe delivery of vehicles.

The term snowbird might conjure images of migratory birds heading south for the winter, but it also applies to a specific group of people who relocate seasonally to escape the cold. Snowbirds are individuals who move from colder climates to warmer regions during the winter months, typically from the northern United States and Canada to sunnier destinations like Florida.

Tie-downs are necessary devices or methods used to secure vehicles onto trailers or transport carriers during auto transport. These mechanisms include straps, chains, or other types of restraints designed to prevent the vehicle from shifting or moving during transit.

Top Load refers to the placement of a vehicle on the upper deck of a multi-level car carrier. This positioning is often preferred for several compelling reasons, making it a premium option that may incur additional costs. Top Load placement is especially desirable for high-value, luxury, or classic cars that require extra protection during transit.

A viceroy is a high-ranking official appointed to govern a country or province on behalf of a monarch. The term "viceroy" is derived from the Latin words "vice" (in place of) and "rex" (king), indicating that the viceroy acts as the representative of the sovereign, holding administrative and executive authority. Historically, viceroys played a crucial role in managing large territories within colonial empires, ensuring that the policies and interests of the ruling monarch were upheld.

A winch is a mechanical device consisting of a spool or drum that winds a cable or rope, typically powered by a motor. It provides significant pulling force, crucial for maneuvering vehicles onto transport platforms, especially non-operational or challenging vehicles.